70 likes | 193 Vues
Confucianism, founded on the teachings of Confucius, emphasizes ethics and proper behavior for individuals and government, centered around two basic principles: Ren (concern for others) and Li (appropriate behavior). In this philosophy, everyone has a designated role within society, fostering order and harmony. Family respect is paramount, with children required to honor their elders and fathers holding absolute authority. Confucian teachings persisted even through tumultuous periods in Chinese history, influencing moral conduct and societal expectations for generations.
E N D
Dominant in China • Based on teachings of Confucius • Focus on ethics (proper behavior) for individuals & government. • 2 basic principles– Ren (concern for others) and li (appropriate behavior) society would function best if people followed them. • Everyone has a role in society & order was maintained when people knew their place & behaved appropriately.
Family Influence • Confucian teachings about family were highly honored. • Children had to respect their elders. Disobeying parents was a crime. • Father was head of the family and had absolute power. Women had to obey their husband and children had to obey their father. • If family was strong and children obeyed their father, they would also obey the emperor.
Could gain jobs by being respectful to parents. • Children were expected to serve parents and honor dead parents with ceremonies and offerings. • Parents valued boys more than girls because boys carried on family line and took care of elderly parents. • Daughters could gain power in their son’s family or if they were widowed.
After Death of Confucius • Ideas were spread by his followers, but weren’t widely accepted. • Han dynasty, Confucianism became official state philosophy. • During Period of Disunion (when Han collapsed), Confucianism was overshadowed by Buddhism--- many Chinese turned to Buddhism for peace and comfort
Confucius Says… • I hear and I forget, I see and I remember. I do and I understand. • Forget injuries, never forget kindness. • Study the past if you want to define the future. • It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop. • Men’s natures are alike, it is their habits that carry them far apart. • What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others. • Have no friends not equal to yourself.